oommates. Whether its dorms or a rental house, many international students end up sharing a living space with either friends or new persons. While it’s a new experience, it can have its limitations and struggles. The bright side to this is that you sometimes creating new friendships and a new chapter of your life as an international student in the U.S.

Here are some ways you can survive roommates!

​Respect and communication

Often when we’re from different cultures, it can be difficult to effectively communicate with others. This can be an opportunity to practice patience and be open and understanding of the differences between you and your roommates.

Sharing is caring

Besides from sharing the cost of rent or personal space, it’s good practice to share the household duties amongst you and your roommates. Come up with an agreement on who does what and when so that no one feels like their taking on most of the work.

Mindful Space​Usually when you have roommates, space is limited. So be attentive to how much space your personal belongings take up. Make your home as livable as possible not only for you but for others who share the space.

Keep it clean

​A busy school life can sometimes mean that our living area is not always clean. If you make a mess, take the time out to tidy up. It makes living in shared space more bearable.

Finding a suitable medical provider is an important aspect of utilizing your insurance plan. Follow this quick guide on the difference medical providers that you can choose from while in the U.S.

Student Health Center: Most schools usually have a medical center on campus designated to treat students for minor sickness and injuries. It is usually more affordable and convenient for students.

Physician's Office: They provide medical attention for health conditions that are not an emergency. If you’re feeling unwell, you can make an appointment to see the doctor at this office.

Urgent Care: You would usually go to this type of provider for situations that are not life threatening or an emergency but your need immediate medical attention. An urgent care can treat conditions such as fever, cuts and infections and you can go there if your regular doctor’s office is close or unavailable to see you.

Emergency Room: ​It’s always best to go to the Emergency Room only if you have a serious injury or sickness. ER visits can be costly and situations that can be considered as an emergency are broken bones, head trauma, deep wounds, and serious burns

Just as how our cultures are different so are the ways we use prescriptions for different sicknesses and injuries. As international students, you may feel more comfortable using medications or natural herbs from your home country instead of using prescriptions from the U.S.. If you do carry any medications from your home country especially if it’s natural based, here are a few things that you need to remember.

Keep medications in their original containers

Be prepared and take the prescription or your doctor’s written statement indicating that your medication is being used under doctor’s supervision.

Carry with you the quantity that is normally used by a person with a similar condition

Before Your School Starts...Now that the pressure of the school semester has eased or that long process of getting into your dream school has become a reality, the next thing to think about is how best you can prepare for the school semester.

Physical examinations

Start your semester off with a clean bill of health. Before coming to the US, visit your personal doctor for a full body examination to ensure that you are mentally and physically ready for school. Keep in mind that many of our ISO plans provide coverage for accidents and sickness only.

As such, it’s more affordable and easier to get it done in your home country since you have access to your personal doctor that you are familiar with. This way you can comfortably discuss any concerns that you have without the added pressure. Also, most schools require that you get a physical done as part of your admission requirements.​

​Dental and vision examinations and treatments can be quite expensive. To avoid this extra financial burden, ensure that you get your teeth checked and eyes examined in your home coverage. Kick off the semester with a winning smile and healthy eyes

​

​You will need a medical safety net while you’re in the USA. Review your school’s insurance requirements for international students and the waiver deadline. Check out ISOwebsite to see the plans that we offer just for you!

The ability to lead is a very important skill, and highly valued by USA employers. For international students especially, it can appear difficult to think of ways to build and improve leadership skills.

One way to gain leadership skills is to obtain a leadership role on your school’s campus. You could be a Resident Adviser in your residence hall, or a president of a club you are involved with. You'll learn how to work with a team, mediate conflicts, and communicate better with others in these roles.

You could also think about taking a leadership course. Your school or a local organization might offer classes or seminars on leadership, and enhancing skills related to leadership such as speaking and writing.

Remember that you can build leadership skills even when you aren’t in a position of authority. Whatever job, club, or team you are a part of, challenge yourself to work on projects beyond your job description. You will learn new things, and others will notice when you take the initiative to start new projects.

Summer is the time when many schools release the insurance waiver requirements for their international students. To avoid being caught off guard with the requirements and deadlines, here’s how you can prepare.​

​Check the waiver requirements.This checklist gives you information about what kind of benefits and coverage dates you need to meet to have your school accept your insurance plan. It will also let you know by when you need to submit your waiver.

Regularly check your school’s international student office website or your advisor for more information about your waiver requirements and deadline

​Once your school has released the requirements and you are allowed to waive out, look most at the insurance benefits of your alternative options. While the premium is important, the plan benefits takes precedence.​

At ISO we always make it our duty to know waiver deadlines and requirements for respective schools. Give us a call or email us and we will be happy to assist you with navigating your insurance requirements and suggesting the correct plans.

Summer vacation has arrived and many of us want take this time to relax and give our brains a break from the rigorous mental exercise we have put it through during the semester. As tempting as this may sound, it is really important that we keep our minds active throughout vacation. Here are some fun ways this can be done.

Helping Hand

​Giving back to those in needs can be a fulfilling experience. It’s a great way help others and making your summer memorable. Volunteering not only keeps you mentally engaged but emotionally and socially engaged, too. Put a smile on someone’s face this summer!

Fun Reading List

​After spending most your school year reading material for classes, reading for fun may be the last thing you want to do this summer. As international students, this is a great way to build your vocabulary and comprehensive skills. Take some time out to check out your local bookstore or online and see the latest comic books, fiction or non-fiction books available.

Write It Out

Keep a journal and make an entry about your day or experiences. It helps your mind to remember details that can be easily forgotten and it improves your writing skills. It’s also a fun way to read about fond memories as time passes.

The warmer summer months are a great time to indulge in healthy choices. Produce is at its peak in the summer time, which means there are many kinds of fruits and vegetables that are fresh, delicious and so satisfying during the summer. Here are some tips for your summer diet:

Try a green smoothie.The easiest way to get a serving of vegetables in your diet is to mix it in a smoothie. Try a mix of spinach, banana, and milk—you won’t even be able to taste the spinach.

Put some peppers on the grill at your next barbeque. Peppers contain capsaicin, a natural metabolism booster.

​​Freeze the fruit. Fresh fruits like green grapes, or sliced peaches, make perfect frozen snacks for hot days. You can even use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes in your water bottle to keep your water cool.

Summer is the time to let your hair down and enjoy your time away from classes and exams.Though you may want to relax and get some much needed rest, take this time to make the most of your summer while staying on budget and keeping your body active.

Healthy S'moresOne of the great American summer pastimes is going to the beach with a few of your friends and making S’mores by the campfire. S’mores include graham crackers, marshmallow and chocolate. Healthier and fun versions of this are Hazelnut Spread and Strawberry S’mores, Almond Butter S’mores or Frozen S’more Parfait!​​Eat what you growCreate your own little indoor herb garden this summer! This not only helps in cutting costs in your grocery bill but it’s more organic and it gives you an opportunity to be more mindful about what kinds of food you eat. A little goes a long way.

YogaYoga is one of way to be de-stress especially after finals. If you live near a beach or a park, grab your yoga mat and spend some time with nature. It’s the best of both worlds.Roller blading, beach volleyball and moreWith the great weather that summer always promises, you now have opportunities to do new and heart pumping activities like beach volleyball, kickball, rollerblading, basketball and more. Break a sweat and have some fun!